Statement by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on National Child Day

November 20, 2017 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada

Today marks National Child Day, a time to recognize the importance of children and to celebrate their accomplishments. We believe that every child in Canada deserves to live with dignity and respect and have an opportunity to reach their full potential. That is why our government has made it a priority to ensure that all children have a real and fair chance to succeed.

We introduced the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to help parents with the cost of raising their children and to give their kids the best start in life. This simpler, tax-free and more generous benefit provides greater support to low-income and middle-class families who need it most. It will lift almost 300,000 children out of poverty. This past October, we proposed to further strengthen it to ensure it keeps pace with the rising cost of living by making annual cost of living increases starting in July 2018—two years ahead of schedule. This will help parents with the costs of things that are important to their children, such as nutritious food, school supplies, or clothes.

But, we know that kids with quality early learning do better at school, and in life. We also know that the earlier we invest in children, the greater the benefit to children and society, especially with more vulnerable children. That is why the Government of Canada is making significant investments in early learning and child care. We are working closely with provincial and territorial governments to create more high-quality, accessible, affordable and flexible child care. We are also working with Indigenous partners so that Indigenous children have access to culturally appropriate early learning and child care that strengthens their identity and confidence and provides a foundation for life-long success. Actions to support early learning and child care in Canada are part of a larger initiative to support working families and reduce poverty in Canada for all people, especially children.

Families are the foundation of Canada and children are our most precious resource—investing in them means investing in Canada’s future. This National Child Day, join me in recognizing Canada’s children and the contributions they make now and in the future. Together, let’s ensure that all children have a voice, live in dignity and respect and have an equal opportunity to succeed in life.